Title: An act relating to University of Washington dental school faculty.

Brief Description: Modifying the licensing provisions for faculty members of the University of Washington dental school.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilmer, Skinner, Cody, Bailey, Murray, Haigh, Kenney, McDermott and Santos.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/21/05, 3/23/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Deccio, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Brandland, Franklin, Johnson, Kastama, Kline, Parlette and Poulsen.

Staff: Stephanie Yurcisin (786-7438)

Background: Applicants for a license to practice dentistry in Washington must present evidence of graduation from a dental school approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and pass an examination approved by the Commission. There are several instances in which an individual may obtain a license to practice dentistry without taking an examination. One of these exceptions applies to situations where the Dean of the School of Dentistry of the University of Washington requests that the Commission issue a license to a dentist who is licensed in another state or country and is to be employed by the School of Dentistry as a full-time faculty member.

Summary of Bill: The exception that allows full-time teaching faculty members employed by the School of Dentistry of the University of Washington to obtain a license to practice dentistry without taking an examination is expanded to include any teaching faculty members employed by the School of Dentistry.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This would allow full-time faculty who are retiring to still contribute their valuable expertise and knowledge to the school of dentistry. Many faculty members would continue part-time after retirement if there were a licensing option to support such a switch.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Kilmer, prime sponsor; Linda Hull, Washington State Dental Association; Dr. Robert O'Neal, University of Washington School of Dentistry.